BOGOTA, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- James Rodriguez and Juan Fernando Quintero have returned to Colombia's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Chile, the local football federation said on Thursday.

Manager Nestor Lorenzo also recalled right-back Santiago Arias and forward Jhon Cordoba while including uncapped Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios.

But there was no place in the 26-man squad for Colombia's all-time leading goalscorer Radamel Falcao, who has played just eight minutes for Spanish club Rayo Vallecano this season.

Lorenzo also left out Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata and Al-Nassr goalkeeper David Ospina.

Rodriguez missed Colombia's friendlies against Iraq and Germany in June because of a lack of match fitness following his April departure from Olympiacos.

The 32-year-old joined Sao Paulo in late July and has since made four appearances for the Brazilian club.

Quintero, 30, has grappled with a series of injuries in recent years and has not represented his country since March 2022.

The former Porto and River Plate playmaker signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Argentina's Racing Club earlier this month and has already made a positive impression with a goal and an assist in three starts.

Colombia will begin their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a clash against Venezuela in Barranquilla on Thursday. It will be followed by a duel against Chile in Santiago five days later.

Following is the Colombian squad:

Goalkeepers: Alvaro Montero, Camilo Vargas, Devis Vasquez.

Defenders: Carlos Cuesta, Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Deiver Machado, Jhon Lucumi, Johan Mojica, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina.

Midfielders: James Rodriguez, Jefferson Lerma, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Fernando Quintero, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, Matheus Uribe, Richard Rios, Wilmar Barrios.

Forwards: Jhon Arias, Jhon Cordoba, Jhon Jader Duran, Luis Diaz, Luis Sinisterra, Mateo Cassierra, Rafael Santos Borre. Enditem

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